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Networking, trust and embeddedness amongst SMEs in the Aberdeen oil complex

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  • Danny Mackinnon
  • Keith Chapman
  • Andrew Cumbers

Abstract

Over the last decade or so, networking has become a ‘vogue concept’ in small business research, connecting with wider debates on learning and regional development. Participation in inter-firm networks is seen to provide small firms with access to a broader pool of resources and knowledge, helping them to overcome size-related disadvantages. In particular, the role of such networks as channels for innovation and learning within regions and localities has been emphasized in the context of an apparent shift towards a knowledge-driven economy. In this paper, we provide an empirically-grounded analysis of networking, trust and embeddedness amongst small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Aberdeen oil complex. Drawing upon survey and interview data, it is argued that connections to extra-local networks play a crucial role in providing access to wider sources of information and knowledge. At the same time, an Aberdeen location still matters to oil-related firms because of the access it offers to crucial forms of industry-specific information and expertise. In concurring with recent calls for more empirically-grounded research which seeks to ‘test’ theoretical propositions against relevant data, we suggest in conclusion that a combination of firm surveys and face-to-face interviews provides an appropriate way forward.

Suggested Citation

  • Danny Mackinnon & Keith Chapman & Andrew Cumbers, 2004. "Networking, trust and embeddedness amongst SMEs in the Aberdeen oil complex," Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(2), pages 87-106, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:entreg:v:16:y:2004:i:2:p:87-106
    DOI: 10.1080/08985620410001677826
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    Cited by:

    1. Houghton, Susan M. & Smith, Anne D. & Hood, Jacqueline N., 2009. "The influence of social capital on strategic choice: An examination of the effects of external and internal network relationships on strategic complexity," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 62(12), pages 1255-1261, December.
    2. Kean Birch & Andrew Cumbers, 2010. "Knowledge, Space, and Economic Governance: The Implications of Knowledge-Based Commodity Chains for Less-Favoured Regions," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 42(11), pages 2581-2601, November.
    3. Bönte, Werner, 2008. "Inter-firm trust in buyer-supplier relations: Are knowledge spillovers and geographical proximity relevant?," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 67(3-4), pages 855-870, September.
    4. Isaac Desta & Abel Tedla & Dawit Zerom, 2015. "Entrepreneurial Networks And Growth In Female-Owned Businesses: Evidence From Small And Medium Scale Enterprises In Eritrea," Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship (JDE), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 20(04), pages 1-16, December.
    5. Goerzen, Anthony, 2018. "Small Firm Boundary-spanning via Bridging Ties: Achieving International Connectivity via Cross-border Inter-cluster Alliances," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 24(2), pages 153-164.
    6. Graciela Corral De Zubielqui & Janice Jones & Laurence Lester, 2017. "KNOWLEDGE INFLOWS FROM MARKET- AND SCIENCE-BASED ACTORS, ABSORPTIVE CAPACITY, INNOVATION AND PERFORMANCE: A STUDY OF SMEs," World Scientific Book Chapters, in: Joe Tidd (ed.), Promoting Innovation in New Ventures and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises, chapter 15, pages 359-391, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd..
    7. Nikhil Ghag & Padmanav Acharya & Vivekanand Khanapuri, 2022. "Prioritizing the Challenges Faced in Achieving International Competitiveness by Export-Oriented Indian SMEs: a DEMATEL Approach," International Journal of Global Business and Competitiveness, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 12-24, December.
    8. Yusuf, Yahaya Y. & Gunasekaran, Angappa & Musa, Ahmed & Dauda, Mohammed & El-Berishy, Nagham M. & Cang, Shuang, 2014. "A relational study of supply chain agility, competitiveness and business performance in the oil and gas industry," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 147(PB), pages 531-543.
    9. Juan Manuel Ramon-Jeronimo & Raquel Florez-Lopez & Pedro Araujo-Pinzon, 2019. "Resource-Based View and SMEs Performance Exporting through Foreign Intermediaries: The Mediating Effect of Management Controls," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-26, June.
    10. Paul, Justin & Parthasarathy, Sundar & Gupta, Parul, 2017. "Exporting challenges of SMEs: A review and future research agenda," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 52(3), pages 327-342.
    11. Darbi, William Phanuel Kofi & Knott, Paul, 2016. "Strategising practices in an informal economy setting: A case of strategic networking," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 34(4), pages 400-413.
    12. Idris, Bochra & Saridakis, George, 2018. "Local formal interpersonal networks and SMEs internationalisation: Empirical evidence from the UK," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 27(3), pages 610-624.
    13. Jacob Salder & John Bryson & Julian Clark, 2024. "The decoupling effect and shifting assemblages of English regionalism: Economic governance, politics and firm-state relations," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 42(3), pages 437-457, May.
    14. Andy Cumbers & Danny MacKinnon, 2004. "Introduction: Clusters in Urban and Regional Development," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 41(5-6), pages 959-969, May.
    15. Quy T. Vo & Tho V. Nguyen & Tin H. Ho & Hien T. T. Bui & Khoa N. A. Le, 2023. "Supportive Policies of Government as the Drivers of SMEs’ Export Performance: A Study in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(4), pages 21582440231, November.

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